Values And Ethical Dilemmas
Values and Ethical Dilemmas
Values, which we define as those norms and principles that many or most members of a social system perceive to be important, are fundamental to social work practice. In some ways, values are similar to theories—they provide a framework for understanding and analyzing situations. Ethics are similar to models—they provide guidelines for practice. One can feel strongly about something, but acting on that feeling involves ethical behavior, which is the operationalization of that value. Because codes of ethics serve as guidelines for professional practice, it is imperative that students know the content and limitations of written codes. For example, principle values in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics include service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.
TheNASW Code of Ethics is intended to introduce a perspective that drives practitioners’ thinking, establishes criteria for selecting goals, and influences how information is interpreted and understood. Regardless of which role the social worker plays—program coordinator, community organizer, political lobbyist, or direct practitioner—these professional actions are not value free. Social work practice often presents ethical dilemmas, which can be defined as situations that necessitate a choice between competing but equally important values. For example, a social worker who values a child’s right to a safe and secure environment must also value the parents’ rights to have a say in their child’s future. The public housing administrator who values the freedom of a disruptive resident to play loud music at top volume must also respect those in the building who value peace and quiet. Dilemmas are inherent in both situations. A choice between equally important values may have to be made when there are no easy or obviously “right or wrong” solutions. Reamer (1995) notes that although social
Values, which we define as those norms and principles that many or most members of a social system perceive to be important, are fundamental to social work practice. In some ways, values are similar to theories—they provide a framework for understanding and analyzing situations. Ethics are similar to models—they provide guidelines for practice. One can feel strongly about something, but acting on that feeling involves ethical behavior, which is the operationalization of that value. Because codes of ethics serve as guidelines for professional practice, it is imperative that students know the content and limitations of written codes. For example, principle values in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics include service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.
TheNASW Code of Ethics is intended to introduce a perspective that drives practitioners’ thinking, establishes criteria for selecting goals, and influences how information is interpreted and understood. Regardless of which role the social worker plays—program coordinator, community organizer, political lobbyist, or direct practitioner—these professional actions are not value free. Social work practice often presents ethical dilemmas, which can be defined as situations that necessitate a choice between competing but equally important values. For example, a social worker who values a child’s right to a safe and secure environment must also value the parents’ rights to have a say in their child’s future. The public housing administrator who values the freedom of a disruptive resident to play loud music at top volume must also respect those in the building who value peace and quiet. Dilemmas are inherent in both situations. A choice between equally important values may have to be made when there are no easy or obviously “right or wrong” solutions. Reamer (1995) notes that although social